Dyslexia and mobility-related social exclusion: the role of travel information provision

Abstract

Transport is increasingly recognised as having a significant impact upon quality of life for people with disabilities. The ability to access opportunities, services, social networks and other goods is highly dependent upon the ability to access private and/or public transport. However, there are many barriers to transport access for people with disabilities. This paper considers access to the transport system for those with a specific learning disability, namely, dyslexia. The paper reports results from a series of focus groups, which highlight the problems accessing and using travel information for this group. The contribution of inaccessible information to mobility-related social exclusion is highlighted. It is argued that there is a need for accessible information as a component of strategies to tackle mobility-related social exclusion. In this context, the paper presents a number of recommendations that may facilitate greater ease of use of private and public transport for those with dyslexia, with an emphasis upon actions to create more accessible information systems. Such improvements are likely to benefit those with other learning disabilities, while also improving the usability of information systems for non-disabled travellers.